Oilers Advance to Western Conference Final Over Vegas

The Edmonton Oilers advanced to their second consecutive Western Conference final by defeating the Vegas Golden Knights 1-0 in overtime in Game 5, with Kasperi Kapanen scoring the game-winning goal in only his second playoff appearance this season. Goaltender Stuart Skinner secured a shutout, reinforcing his starting position after previously being benched. The Oilers demonstrated their physicality and depth throughout the series, highlighted by Evander Kane's standout performance in Game 4, where he contributed a goal, an assist, and a team-high in hits. Kane's aggressive play and leadership were credited by coach Kris Knoblauch as critical to Edmonton's postseason success. Edmonton now awaits the winner of the Dallas Stars-Winnipeg Jets series for a chance to return to the Stanley Cup Final, having lost to Florida in last year’s championship round. The team’s adaptability and key contributions from players like Kapanen have fueled optimism for another deep playoff run.